Favorite Hebrew Girl Names

  1. Adina
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "slender, delicate"
    • Description:

      Name of an Old Testament soldier that's been also used as a girls' name in modern Israel. An alternate spelling is Adinah. Some mistake Adina and Adinah to be the root of Dinah, but the Biblical name Dinah is borne by a different figure and has a different meaning. You can consider the modern short forms Dena and Dina as stemming from either Adina or Dinah.
  2. Amalya
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "work"
    • Description:

      Spelling variation of Amalia, rising in popularity throughout Europe.
  3. Ariela
    • Description:

      Ariela is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'lioness of God' or 'lion of God.' It is a feminine variant of Ariel, combining 'ari' (lion) with 'el' (God). The name appears in various cultures including Jewish, Spanish, and Italian communities. Ariela offers a more distinctly feminine form than the unisex Ariel, which has been used for both genders. The name has maintained modest but steady popularity in Israel and has gained some traction in the United States and Spanish-speaking countries. Parents might be drawn to Ariela for its melodic quality, biblical connections, and beautiful meaning. The name conveys strength and spiritual significance while maintaining a gentle, feminine sound.

  4. Atara
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "crown"
    • Description:

      Finally, an attractive, undiscovered Old Testament choice for girls.
  5. Aviva
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "springlike, fresh, dewy"
    • Description:

      Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.
  6. Ayala
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "doe, gazelle"
    • Description:

      This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is Ayal.
  7. Ayelet
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "deer, gazelle"
    • Description:

      Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman.
  8. Anat
    • Batya
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "daughter of God"
      • Description:

        A variation of the Old Testament Bithiah, Batya is a Hebrew variant of the name. Derived from bat meaning "daughter" and yah meaning "Yahweh", Batya (or Bithiah) is the name of one of Pharaoh's daughters, often depicted as the one to take Moses out of the Nile.
    • Carmiya
      • Description:

        Carmiya is a feminine name with Hebrew roots. It likely derives from the Hebrew word 'kerem' meaning 'vineyard' or 'orchard', combined with the suffix '-iya' which is often used to create feminine forms. The name has associations with fertility, abundance, and natural beauty. Carmiya remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Those named Carmiya might appreciate its melodic sound and unique character, as well as its connection to natural themes. The name may also be related to 'Carmel', a biblical mountain known for its beauty and fertility.

    • Chanah
      • Origin:

        Hebrew variation of Hannah
      • Description:

        Begs for the guttural pronunciation that's a problem in this culture.
    • Chava
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "life"
      • Description:

        The Hebrew, Biblical form of Eve. While English speakers will likely find the forms Ava or Eve easier in everyday life, Chava is a lovely variation for a family that speaks Hebrew or Yiddish - plus, English speakers could always learn.
    • Dalia
      • Origin:

        Hebrew, Spanish, or Swahili
      • Meaning:

        "branch; dahlia; gentle"
      • Description:

        Similar in sound to the flower name Dahlia, this gentle but distinctive name, heard in many cultures, hits that Golden Mean between too popular and too unusual. In Lithuanian mythology, Dalia is a goddess of weaving and of fate.
    • Elisheva
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "pledged to God"
      • Description:

        Elisheva was the original name of Aaron's wife in the Book of Exodus; Elisheva gains strength and distinction via the v sound.
    • Gavriela
      • Description:

        Gavriela is the feminine form of Gabriel, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my strength' or 'devoted to God.' This elegant variation maintains the spiritual significance of the original while offering a distinctly feminine character. While Gabriel has been widely used across many cultures for boys, Gavriela remains relatively uncommon, giving it a special quality. The name has roots in Jewish tradition, where biblical Gabriel was an archangel who served as a messenger of God. Gavriela combines spiritual depth with a melodic, flowing sound. The name may appeal to families looking for a name with religious significance that isn't overused, or those seeking to honor a male relative named Gabriel while using a feminine form.

    • Hadas
      • Description:

        Hadas is a feminine Hebrew name meaning "myrtle," a flowering plant with historical and cultural significance in Jewish tradition. The myrtle is one of the Four Species used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and symbolizes peace and blessing. In Jewish mysticism, it also represents divine justice tempered with mercy. The name has been used in Israel since the revival of Hebrew as a spoken language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the trend of adopting nature-based names. Hadas remains moderately popular in Israel but is uncommon elsewhere, giving it a distinctive quality in international settings. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across cultures, while its meaningful connection to Jewish tradition and nature provides cultural depth.
    • Hila
      • Keren
        • Origin:

          Hebrew
        • Meaning:

          "ram's horn, ray of light"
        • Description:

          Israeli-born singer Keren Ann introduced this traditional Hebrew name to the US, where it could well be mistaken for Karen. Nevertheless, 100 girls were given the name in a recent year.
      • Keshet
        • Levana
          • Origin:

            Roman, Latin
          • Meaning:

            "to lift"
          • Description:

            Roman goddess of childbirth. Levana is one of the lesser-known ancient Roman goddess names and has a somewhat synthetic feel but authentic roots.